Comic-Con 2011: Schedules Announced for Preview Night and Thursday, July 21st; Includes BREAKING DAWN, DRIVE, and GAME OF THRONES

By Matt Goldberg

7 years ago

Comic-Con has announced the schedule for Preview Night (Wednesday, July 20th) and the Thursday that officially opens the Con. While Preview Night is usually a chance for attendees to roam the floor of the exhibitors and trample each other for swag, this year’s preview night will be hosting world premiere pilot screenings of Alcatraz, Person of Interest, The Secret Circle, and Supernatural: The Anime Series. I don’t care about the last two, but since Alcatraz and Person of Interest both come form J.J. Abrams, I imagine they’ll be packed.

As for Thursday, Hall H belongs to (in chronological order): The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Arthur Christmas, The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, Drive, an unannounced line-up from 20th Century Fox (expect Rise of the Planet of the Apes), a sneak peek at Robert Rodriguez’ upcoming films (yawn), and a discussion between Guillermo del Toro and Jon Favreau. I would stand in line all day just for Drive and the conversation between del Toro and Favreau. Hit the jump for the full schedule. Expect the schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday over the next several days.

I didn’t mention this in the intro, but here are the TV shows that will be taking over Ballroom 20, which is the next largest hall after Hall H: Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe (not sure the point of this since it already aired earlier this year; DVD promotion, perhaps?), Covert Affairs, Psych, Ringer, Game of Thrones, and TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites, Dexter, and Shameless. I’ve also highlighted in blue the panels I think are noteworthy (even if I personally may not be interested in them). Finally, even though they’re not in Hall H or Ballroom 20, there are other great panels happening on Thursday including Awake, Archer, the upcoming return of Beavis & Butthead, and Batman: Arkham City.

6:00-9:00 Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings: Alcatraz, Person of Interest, The Secret Circle, and Supernatural: The Anime Series— Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Night tradition with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of three of the most highly anticipated TV series pilots of the 2011-12 television season — Alcatraz, Person of Interest, and The Secret Circle — as well as Supernatural: The Anime Series, the first-ever anime adaptation of a U.S. television series.

Person of Interest—Jim Caviezel (The Thin Red Line), Michael Emerson (Lost), and Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow) team up in Person of Interest, a thought-provoking crime action-drama from The Dark Knight‘s Jonathan Nolan and J. J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions (Super 8, Fringe). Set in New York City, with all of its multifaceted elements of justice (cops, criminals, corruption), this procedural centers on an ex-CIA agent, presumed dead, who partners with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes. Kevin Chapman (Rescue Me) also stars in the series, which is executive produced by Nolan, Abrams, Greg Plageman (Cold Case), and Bryan Burk (Super 8, Fringe). Person of Interest is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The series will air Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS this fall.

The Secret Circle—The ordinary becomes the extraordinary in The Secret Circle, a romantic drama full of mystery, intrigue, and danger from executive producer Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) and based on the book series by L. J. Smith (The Vampire Diaries). The series chronicles the story of a young girl who discovers not only that she is a witch and part of a secret coven but that she is the key that will unlock a centuries-old battle of good versus evil. Britt Robertson (Scream 4), Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Gale Harold (Queer as Folk), Shelley Hennig (Days of Our Lives), Phoebe Tonkin (H20: Just Add Water), Louis Hunter (Out of the Blue), Jessica Parker Kennedy (Valemont), Ashley Crow (Heroes), and Natasha Henstridge (Species) star in the series, from executive producers Williamson, Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), Gina Girolamo (Alloy Entertainment), Andrew Miller (Nothing), and Richard Hatem (Supernatural). The series will air Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW this fall.

Supernatural: The Anime Series—Warner Bros. Television’s hit series Supernatural (Fridays 9/8c, The CW) makes history this summer as Supernatural: The Anime Series is released in the United States, the first-ever live-action series to be reimagined in Japanese anime style. Inspired by the U.S. series’ sensational following oversees, Warner Home Video Japan and renowned animation studio Madhouse — working with the full approval of series creator Eric Kripke — produced the anime series, which mirrors the story arc of Supernatural‘s first two seasons, providing supplemental stories ranging from prequels and spinoffs to untold tales that fit within the Supernatural mythology. The all-new, 22-episode animated series will be distributed July 26 by Warner Home Video on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand, and for Download.

Ballroom 20

THURSDAY, JULY 21

10:00-11:00 Planet of the Apes in Comics Present and Past— Planet of the Apes has come back to comics this year, thanks to BOOM! Studios. Current Planet of the Apes comics editor Ian Brill and writer Daryl Gregory talk about the new series, along with Tom Mason, who served as Malibu Comics’ creative director and oversaw the last big Apes explosion. Learn what’s next for Planet of the Apes and secrets behind the past of this comic franchise. Room 5AB

Tags: Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 TheOneRing.net: Hobbit Talk— From the decade-old and perhaps most influential fan site on the Interwebs (and a consistent breaking news source), staff vets Clifford Broadway (Quickbeam) and Larry D. Curtis (MrCere) take a good, hard look at the latest from the two Hobbit films’ production. Since this isn’t a studio affair, you’ll get the street-level latest (authorized and unauthorized) as well as spy reports, rumors, and even informed opinions. Surprise guests are a possibility; audio and visuals are a given with a Q&A and all sorts of fun. Room 7AB

Tags: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 IDW and Hasbro: 2012 Transformations— What’s coming up in IDW’s Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Dungeons & Dragons titles? More important, who’s taking over stewardship of Transformers and G.I. Joe? Find out as IDW’s newest editor makes his presence known, alongside IDW’s editorial team and creators such as Mike Costa, Livio Ramondelli, and more surprise guests! Also, get word of a new license being announced today! Room 9

Tags: Comics

10:00-11:00 Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe— For fans of USA’s hit series Burn Notice who’ve always wanted to know what happened before Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell) teamed up with Michael Weston and Fiona, Comic-Con attendees are invited inside the USA made-for-TV movie Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe, debuting on DVD exclusively at Comic-Con! The Burn Notice prequel chronicles what turned out to be the last military mission of former U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Axe and the expedition that took him from the jungles of Colombia to sunny Miami Beach. Go one-on-one with Bruce Campbell, star of Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe, and Burn Notice creator, writer, and executive producer, Matt Nix. Ballroom 20

Tags: Action/Adventure | Television

10:00-11:00 Journey— Get into the indie spirit with thatgamecompany and the PlayStation Network: From the developers who brought you Flower and flOw, comes one of this year’s most highly anticipated PlayStation 3 exclusives, Journey. Meet and chat with thatgamecompany’s Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago as they (along with special guests) provide insight on their creativity and the inspiration behind their work and discuss what it takes to be successful as an independent developer. Room 23ABC

Tags: Games

10:00-11:00 Deadliest Warrior: Vampires vs. Zombies— Vampires and zombies have terrorized and tantalized their way through pop culture for decades, from Dracula to the Twilight Saga to Walking Dead. SPIKE TV and its Deadliest Warrior franchise are going to finally answer the question: Which of these mythical creatures would come out on top in a fight to the finish? Deadliest Warrior steps outside the confines of history for this groundbreaking fantasy episode destined to rouse heated debates amongst fans in the blogosphere for months. The special episode features an array of icons of film and fiction who are authorities on the topic. Through these expert interviews, scientific tests, and careful analysis, They will determine who would win in a battle to the death between these two iconic groups, zombies and vampires. The Deadliest Warrior team of Richard “Mack” Machowicz, Dr. Armand Dorian, and Robert Daly, guests Steve Niles, Max Brooks, and horror legend Wes Craven, and executive producer of Deadliest Warrior and president of 44 Blue Productions Rasha Drachkovitch make their case for who is, indeed, the fiercest. Los Angeles Times writer and HeroComplex.com founder Geoff Boucher will serve as moderator. Room 25ABC

Tags: Fandom | Horror and Suspense | Television

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con How-To: Heroes & Villains: Creating a Character-Driven Story with Maxwell Alexander Drake— All great stories need both a hero and a villain. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you the tools you need to create both sides of these opposing forces. You will learn to create both in a dynamic way that will capture the hearts of your readers, making them cheer for their triumphs and commiserate their losses. Drake is an award-winning science fiction/fantasy author and graphic novelist and teaches creative writing. Room 28DE

10:00-11:00 Kinect Star Wars Panel— Enter the Galaxy with studio head Jorg Neumann (Kinect Publishing) and lead producer Craig Derrick (LucasArts) as they discuss the highly anticipated title with USA Today’s Mike Snider, sharing new game play from the iconic Star Wars universe, revealing an all-new mode, and unveiling an exciting announcement. All attendees will receive a limited-edition poster. Room 32AB

Tags: Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 101: Preproduction and Screenwriting— Comic-Con Film School is back for another four-day, nuts and bolts class on how to make a movie for very little money using available video technology and desktop postproduction software. Whether you’re shooting your first cyberpunk short or that story about the leather-clad girl who hunts aliens, this course will take you from script to final product so that you too can enter your own movie into the CCI-IFF. This first class covers the specifics of preproduction on the cheap, including screenwriting, casting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing-up, and getting equipment for nothing. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Jack Conway (writer/producer of Fear News), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica). Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

Tags: CCI-IFF and Film School | Movies | Seminars & Workshops

10:15-11:15 Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way— You have the talent. You have the imagination. You have the “Go get ‘em Tiger” determination that would make the Bullpen proud. But where do you go from there? Discover the next step in your budding comics career with world-renowned talent scout C. B. Cebulski, artists Skottie Young (Ozma of Oz) and Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man), and Marvel SVP of brand planning & communications Mike Pasciullo, as they give you all the right pointers toward getting a foot in the door at Marvel Comics. Discussing all entry points across every department, this panel is must for all Marvel hopefuls! Room 6DE

10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search— DC’s editorial art director, Mark Chiarello, presents an informative orientation session to explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of DC Comics, Vertigo, and MAD magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the panel for you. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Joyce Brabner— Is she the glacial, humorless activist as portrayed in the film American Splendor or just the person who published the first comic on the Internet? Come hear Comic-Con special guest Joyce Brabner talk about her latest projects, including finishing the work of her late husband Harvey Pekar and dealing with his legacy. Room 8

Tags: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types— Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, professional or fan? And what’s keeping you from getting there? If you’ve been inspired to create something but you’re having trouble bringing it into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd and back in San Diego for its fifth straight year. Douglas Neff (the “Tony Robbins of Geeks”) will give you simple, proven tips for achieving what’s most important to you. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’re sure to walk away from this workshop with lots of new ideas and tools to help you reach your dream. Room 24ABC

10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Fan Studies— Scott Daniel Boras (Arizona State University) relates his experiences as “Ethnography Man,” researching the world of cosplay at Comic-Con and investigating how cosplay both subverts and reinforces codes of conduct, and in the end is more about transcendence than escape. Beverly Taylor (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) presents her research into how the culture of physique athletes — body builders, figure, and fitness athletes — is influenced and inspired by superheroes, even to the point of considering their lives outside the gym to be their secret identities. Lincoln Geraghty (University of Portsmouth) looks at the culture of collectibles, focusing specifically on Comic-Con, to argue that these lunchboxes, toys, video games, and websites are such a part of the meaning-making process that they becomes texts to study in their own right. Room 26AB

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 101: “C” Is For Creator (and Copyright!)— And “P” is for preparation, the cornerstone of any creative enterprise. After all, rushing a new property out the door without the proper IP protections in place could be more costly down the road. Luckily, the popular Comic Book Law School will help by supplying the ABCs of legal protections for creators. In these Comic Book Law School sessions, noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, assists attendees in establishing a basic foundation for their copyright and trademark rights. Up first: the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, and names from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections — and pitfalls — of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.) Room 30CDE

10:45-11:45 Oh, You Sexy Geek!— Does displaying the sexiness of fangirls benefit or demean them? When geek girls show off, are they liberating themselves or pandering to men? Do some “fake fangirls” blend sex appeal with nerdiness just to appeal to the growing geek/nerd market, or is that question itself unfair? And what’s up with all the Slave Leias? Action flick chick Katrina Hill (ActionFlickChick.com) asks Bonnie Burton (Grrl.com), Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), Clare Grant (Team Unicorn, “G33k & G4m3r Girls”), Kiala Kazebee (Nerdist.com), Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Nerdy Bird Jill Pantozzi (“Has Boobs, Reads Comics”), Jennifer K. Stuller (Ink-Stained Amazons, GeekGirlCon) and Chris Gore (G4TV’s Attack of the Show!) to discuss whether fans can be sexy and geeky at the same time — and if they should! Room 6A

Tags: Comics | Costuming | Fandom

11:00-12:00 The World of 2027 in Deus Ex: Human Revolution: The Line Between Science and Fiction— How do video games incorporate real-life science into their storylines, weapons, and characters? This talk will provide fascinating insight into how “sci” was used to create the “sci-fi” in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, one of the most highly anticipated games of 2011. Mary DeMarle, lead writer for Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal) and Will Rossellini, CEO of Microtransponder and consultant on the game, discuss how they created a realistic future vision for transhumanism and a world where mechanical augmentations have changed the fate of the human race. Room 5AB

Tags: Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:00-12:00 The Evolution of Web Series: The Guild to Dragon Age— Writer/actor Felicia Day (The Guild), actor Doug Jones (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth), Dragon Age: Redemption director Peter Winther (Leverage), and Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah discuss the secrets to The Guild’s success and what happens when you take that winning formula to the dark fantasy video game universe, Dragon Age, for the upcoming web series Redemption. Room 7AB

Tags: Fandom | Games | Web | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Bongo Comics Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics offers a mouthwatering preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons and Futurama and a few other surprises. Managing editor Terry Delegeane and creative director Bill Morrison host the writers and artists who create the comics and books based on Matt Groening’s phenomenal TV shows. Find out what’s in the future for Futurama Comics, what to surmise about Simpsons Comics, and how to get more connected than ever before. And join Sergio Aragonés as he presents his new humor monthly Sergio Aragonés Funnies. This is a must-attend panel for all fans of The Simpsons and Futurama, and anyone looking for a place to sit down! Room 9

11:00-12:00 Obsession: How TV and Movies Go from Fascination to Phenomenon— There are some shows and films that we watch. And there are others that we obsess over. We talk about them at work the next day. We join the fan websites. We wear the T-shirts. But what does it take to turn a series or movie into something special that we can’t live without? This panel from BuddyTV.com examines that topic from all points of view: the writers and producers who create the projects, the actors who star in them, and the fans who consume them. Panelists include Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Yesterday Was a Lie), Skyler Samuels (The Nine Lives of Chloe King), Allison Dubois (Medium), Mel Lowry (ChuckTV.net, True-BloodTV.net, NiceGirlsTV.com), Karen Bailey (vice president of production, Starz Channel), Zack Stentz (writer, Fringe, Thor, X-Men: First Class), Amy Berg (co-executive producer, Eureka; supervising producer, Leverage), and Deric Hughes and Benjamin Raab (executive story editors, Warehouse 13). Room 23ABC

Tags: Fandom | Movies | Television

11:00-12:00 X-Play Live— Now into its 13th year, G4’s X-Play is TV’s longest-running and most watched video game show. Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, live demos, and of course intern humiliation. Hosts Adam Sessler, Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, and Kristin Adams and executive producer Wade Beckett make their triumphant return to Comic-Con and promise a no-holds-barred live panel. They’ll take questions from the audience, debut a new comedy short, challenge the hardcore fans with trivia, and give out prizes to a chosen few. This hour of reflection and finger pointing is guaranteed to be a life-changing experience. Room 25ABC

Tags: Games | Television

11:00-12:00 Comic-Con How-To: Costuming with Sabrina Belly Dancer— Sabrina will show how to create accessories for hall costumes or a masquerade performance. She will create a “Utility Belt” and — time permitting — will also show the application of long wearing fantasy eye makeup for long days on the con floor and hall costume or masquerade performances. Room 28DE

Tags: Comic-Con How To | Costuming | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:00 Creating Licensed Interpretive Art— Acme Archives is joined by acclaimed Star Wars and Disney artists Brian Rood, Steven Daily, and Jerry Vander Stelt, along with Steve Carrasco from Disney Consumer Products, to illuminate and answer questions about the process of limited-edition interpretive fine art creation, from inception through release, while Brian Rood paints a new piece live before the audience’s eyes! Room 32AB

11:15-12:15 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated next chapter of The Twilight Saga. This is a must see for fans interested in the story’s final chapters. You’ll see exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 and be treated to a filmmaker and cast Q&A session providing details on the first half of the epic two-part finale. Hall H

Tags: Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Alex Niño— Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest Filipino comics artists, Comic-Con special guest Alex Niño has had an amazing career in American comics, too. Niño will talk about his past, present, and future projects in this spotlight panel. Room 4

11:30-12:30 DC: Flashpoint— Everything you know will change in a Flash! Flashpoint, the blockbuster comics event of the summer, has turned the DC Universe inside out! Join DCU executive editor Eddie Berganza and some of the amazing talent behind Flashpoint for a panel that’s sure to pose new questions about this explosive event even as it answers others! Room 6DE

Tags: Comics

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Dick DeBartolo— Comic-Con special guest Dick DeBartolo talks about the bizarre way MAD bought his first piece and the mad way William M. Gaines, founder and publisher, ran MAD (such as white wine in the water cooler and free trips to foreign countries for members of the Usual Gang of Idiots!). He also talks about how, while working at Mark Goodson–Bill Todman Productions, his MAD background saved The Match Game from being canceled. In the Q&A Dick will answer questions about MAD, TV game shows, and his (and Gaines’s) love of gadgets. He will not entertain any history, math, or geography questions. In a desperate attempt to get people to attend, Dick will give some MAD stuff away at his presentation. Room 8

11:30-12:30 Mattel and WWE: Past, Present, and Future— Hear from some of the top WWE Superstars of all time as they discuss the storied past, exciting present, and promising future of the company and how it’s all celebrated in Mattel’s action figure toy line! Get a sneak peek at upcoming products and be the first to hear exciting announcements for the 2012 line. Be on hand as WWE Superstars Triple H, Rey Mysterio a surprise WWE Legend, the WWE creative team, Mattel toy designers Bill Miekina and Derek Handy, and Mattel WWE brand manager Enrique Ruvalcaba present an action-packed Q&A! Room 24ABC

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Patricia Briggs— Patricia Briggs is the acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega urban fantasy series. Patty is joined by Anne Sowards (executive editor, Penguin Group USA), her long-time editor, for this one on-one interview and Q&A session. Room 5AB

12:00-1:00 Putting the “Epic” in Epic Fantasy: Writing to Excite!— A selection of classic fantasy authors discuss how to tell stories that are “epic” in both senses of the word. Panelists include George R. R. Martin (A Game of Thrones), Brandon Sanderson (The Way of Kings), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle), Peter Orullian (The Unremembered), K. J. Taylor (The Fallen Moon series), and Kevin J. Anderson (Terra Incognita). Moderated by Michael Spradlin (The Youngest Templar series). Room 6A

Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Jo Chen— Comic book artist and Comic-Con special guest Jo Chen has gathered a huge fan base with her highly detailed and painted covers for such titles as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, New Avengers, Runaways, Street Fighter, and more. Be a part of this special spotlight panel devoted to Jo’s history, artistic skills, and a review of her body of work. Moderated by Dark Horse Comics editor Scott Allie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, The Goon). Room 7AB

12:00-1:00 Spreading The Darkness: From Comic Book to Video Games and Entertainment— In a world of comic book icons, The Darkness has not only stood the test of time but flourished in various forms of media. Celebrate the upcoming 15th anniversary of The Darkness with the creators that know Jackie Estacado and his world the best. The Darkness creator Marc Silvestri (X-Men/Dark Avengers: Utopia) and team members from Digital Extremes and 2K Games discuss not only the comic but the upcoming video game, The Darkness II, arriving in October. Plus special surprise guests! And be the first to hear about an exciting announcement regarding The Darkness in other media. Room 9

Tags: Comics | Games

12:00-1:00 Nickelodeon’s Fanboy & Chum Chum: Tighty, Whitey & Mighty— It’s time to drape the cape and suit up for another adventure with Fanboy & Chum Chum. Creator Eric Robles, executive producer Steve Tompkins, and supervising producer Jason Meier offer another peek into the latest wild adventure of animation’s most insane duo. The panel will also include select moments and a Q&A with the voice cast, including Nika Futterman (G.I. Joe: Renegades), Jamie Kennedy (The Jamie Kennedy Experiment), and Jeff Glen Bennett (Penguins of Madagascar). Moderated by Megan Casey, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 23ABC

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Graphic Representations of Otherness— Authors such as Scott McCloud and W. J. T. Mitchell have argued for the ways in which graphic narratives manipulate ideas through both image and language, highlighting the way that these elements may work cooperatively or in disjunction to present robust depictions of subjectivity. Anne Cong-Huyen (University of California, Santa Barbara), Caroline Kyungah Hong (Queens College), Kim Knight (University of Texas at Dallas), Amanda Phillips (University of California, Santa Barbara), Melissa Stevenson (Stanford University), Elizabeth Swanstrom (Florida Atlantic University), and Candace West (University of California, Santa Cruz) examine representations of Otherness in graphic media, including comics, television, and video games, focusing on the ways in which representations of otherness in graphic narratives and other media can either solidify stereotypes or undermine cultural assumptions — or both. The roundtable will consider a variety of forms of “Otherness” including gender, race, and sexuality, as well as metaphors of Otherness, including the animal, the monstrous, and the heroic. Room 26AB

12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session 1: David Petersen— Mouse Guard is a triumph of world-building that couples a fiercely imaginative story with the illustrative mastery of its creator’s pen. Witness David Petersen’s singular approach to image making and learn how he creates his work at this CBLDF Master Session. The pieces created during this event will be available for bidding in Saturday’s CBLDF Benefit Auction! Room 30CDE

12:00-1:00 Dark Horse: Fall Publishing Highlights— Three supersecret surprise megastars from the entertainment and publishing worlds (revealed on Preview Night at the Dark Horse booth) discuss their thrilling new comics at this special panel. Discover their spine-tingling new projects coming in fall 2011 and get an exclusive San Diego Comic-Con print, which you’ll be able to see larger than life at the Dark Horse booth! Room 32AB

Tags: Comics

12:15-1:00 Focus on Rick Baker— The multi-Oscar winning master of makeup effects will take us on an overview of his remarkable career with a special emphasis on his work with director Barry Sonnenfeld on Men In Black 1 & 2, as well as a first look at some of his creatures and makeup for the upcoming Men In Black 3. Appearing on stage: Rick Baker in conversation with Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Bill Schelly— Comic-Con special guest Bill Schelly (The Golden Age of Comic Fandom, The DC Archives) is a leading fandom and comics historian. Moderator Gary Brown interviews Bill about his work, with special emphasis on his latest books The Art of Joe Kubert (debuting at Comic-Con 2011) and Founders of Comic Fandom, followed by a Q&A session. Room 8

12:30-1:30 Psych— Calling all Psych-o’s! USA Network’s Psych is back at Comic-Con with another hilarious panel featuring the stars and producers behind one of cable’s most popular shows. Moderated by Psych’s resident morgue-dweller and fan favorite, Woody the Coroner (acclaimed actor Kurt Fuller), the one-hour panel will be full of surprises and face-time with series stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton “Gus” Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O’Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer). Joining the cast are Steve Franks (creator and executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer) and Chris Henze (executive producer). The cast and creative team will share secrets and stories from the set as well as answer questions about the show. Expect exclusive videos, surprise giveaways, live performances, and an extended preview of Season 6 episodes screened only for Comic-Con fans! Ballroom 20

Tags: Humor & Satire | Television

12:30-1:30 Sci-fi That Will Change Your Life— Want some smart science fiction? Panelists discuss sci-fi from the past year that goes beyond special effects to tell stories that will make your brain explode with new ideas. Those on hand include Charles Yu (How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe), Zack Stentz (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman), and io9.com editors Annalee Newitz, Charlie Jane Anders, and Meredith Woerner, plus possible surprise guests. Room 24ABC

Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Grant Morrison— Comic-Con special guest Grant Morrison, one of the most inventive writers in comics today, discusses his work in and out of comics, including the highly anticipated Action Comics #1, coming in September from DC Comics, his new nonfiction book, Supergods: What Masked Vigilantes, Miraculous Mutants, and a Sun God from Smallville Can Teach Us About Being Human, and recent acclaimed titles like Joe the Barbarian. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of comics’ most distinctive voices as he talks about his work from superheroes to the cutting edge of comics. Room 6DE

12:45-1:45 Animation Showcase— Sony Pictures Animation plunges Hall H into a 3D animation universe with previews of upcoming films with Aardman, the home studio of Wallace and Gromit, as they make their first trip across the pond to Comic-Con to present a first look at two of their upcoming animated feature films:

Arthur Christmas — The 3D, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: “So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic — a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns. Producer Peter Lord and co-writer Peter Baynham discuss the animated film.

The Pirates! Band of Misfits — In the 3D, stop motion-animated The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Hugh Grant, stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain — a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they battle a diabolical queen (Imelda Staunton) and team up with a haplessly smitten young scientist (David Tennant), but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure! Director/producer Peter Lord will be live on stage to talk about the movie.

Hall H

Tags: Animation | Kids | Movies

1:00-2:00 DC Direct— DC Direct has long been known as one of the most creative companies that produce collectibles for the direct market, producing your favorite action figures, statues, and busts for over ten years now. DC Direct director of product development Jim Fletcher along with artist Adam Hughes, DC exclusive sculptors, and others discuss their line of current projects, as well as future plans revolving around the new DC Universe. Room 5AB

1:00-2:00 Marvel Digital: What’s Next?! Comics…and Beyond!— Members of the Marvel Digital Media Group give you the first word on Marvel digital comics, casual games, original streaming video productions, social media outreach, and the future of Marvel’s ever-expanding digital endeavors. Room 7AB

Tags: Comics

1:00-2:00 Abrams ComicArts— For over 60 years Abrams has been the premiere art book publisher. With the launch of Abrams ComicArts in 2009, the tradition of excellence continues with award-winning original graphic novels by Brian Fies, Jason Shiga, and Barry Deutsch, as well as monographs on such seminal creators as Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, and Jaime Hernandez. Charles Kochman (editorial director), Sheila Keenan (senior editor), and Neil Egan (designer) talk with celebrated graphic designer Chip Kidd (Shazam! The Golden Age of the World’s Mightiest Mortal) about their current titles and reveal details and images from their upcoming collaborations with Dan Clowes, Derf Backderf, Kazu Kibuishi, and Dave McKean, as well as other projects and surprises. Room 9

Tags: Comics

1:00-2:00 Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation: The Penguins of Madagascar: The Return of the Revenge of Dr. Blowhole— Executive producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley (Kim Possible), supervising producer Nick Filippi (Wolverine and the X-Men), creative consultant and voice of Skipper Tom McGrath (Madagascar 1 & 2), and cast members Danny Jacobs (Epic Movie), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Jeff Bennett (T.U.F.F. Puppy), James Patrick Stuart (Wolverine and the X-Men), and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show) share an insider’s look of how the show gets made, along with never-before-seen footage from their upcoming one-hour musical, The Return of the Revenge of Dr. Blowhole. Additionally, the all-star cast performs a table read of selected scenes, highlighted by the amazingly talented Danny Jacobs as the voice of King Julien, singing his booty off as he premieres a showstopper from the special. Followed by a Q&A session moderated by Rich Magallanes, vice president, animation for Nickelodeon. Room 23ABC

Tags: Animation | Kids | Television

1:00-2:00 SKYBOUND Panel— It’s been an amazing year for SKYBOUND, Image COO Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. The premiere original Witch Doctor has sold out nationwide, the all-ages hit Super Dinosaur continues to soar, and Kirkman’s team-up with Rob Liefeld, The Infinite, is about to rock fans to their core. So what’s next? Robert Kirkman discusses the future of the imprint with his stable of creators, including Thief of Thieves writer Nick Spencer, Witch Doctor creators Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner, and others. Expect loads of surprises, announcements, and most important: AWESOMENESS. Room 25ABC

1:00-2:00 Comic-Con How-To: Advanced 3D/CG Comic Art Techniques with Brian Haberlin— Comic book creator, writer, penciller, inker, and colorist Brian Haberlin is the co-creator of Witchblade and other comic books and intellectual properties. He will demonstrate advanced 3D and computer graphics comic art techniques in this How-To session. Digital pioneer and guru to much of the graphic arts community, Haberlin is also the tutorial creator for international magazines such as 3DWorld, Imagine FX, and Photoshop User, and owner of Digitalarttutorials.com. Room 28DE

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session 2: Shannon Wheeler— From DIY zine making to the pages of the New Yorker and every flavor of independent press in between, Shannon Wheeler has distinguished himself for an ability to craft humor strips that are equal parts sardonic and existential. Take a close-up look at his approach to creating cartoons and gain insight into the nuts and bolts of making cartoons that connect with editors and readers at this CBLDF Master Session! The pieces created during this event will be available for bidding in Saturday’s CBLDF Benefit Auction! Room 30CDE

1:00-2:00 Archaia Entertainment: Immortals, the Graphic Novel— Before you watch Relativity Media’s epic 3D film Immortals when it opens on November 11, dive into Archaia’s prelude graphic novel, Immortals: Gods and Heroes, coming in September! Featuring original tales that expand on the movie’s characters and written and illustrated by some of the top names in comics, Immortals: Gods and Heroes promises to prepare you for the visionary film directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall). Editor Nate Cosby (Jim Henson’s The Storyteller) and contributors Dennis Calero (X-Factor), F. J. DeSanto (The Spirit), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men), Ben McCool (Captain America), and some surprise guests give you a sneak peek at the graphic novel, plus provide some cool behind-the-scenes info of its production. Meet the two winners of the “Become Immortal” contest, whose likenesses will be drawn into the book. Plus, everyone in attendance will receive a voucher for a cool Immortals: Gods and Heroes giveaway at the Archaia booth! Moderated by Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy. Room 32AB

1:15-2:15 Books vs. Graphic Novels and Comics— Writers often dabble with various forms of art as an outlet for their creativity. In this panel, authors discuss the process and collaboration involved in publishing a graphic novel versus a novel, as well as the role comic books play in the creation of their characters and story arcs. Panelists Christopher Moore and Ian Corson (The Griff), Jim Butcher (The Harry Dresden series), Tom Sniegoski (The Fallen series), Amber Benson (The Calliope Reaper Jones novels), and Matthew Holms (Babymouse, Squish) talk about the differences and similarities with moderator David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 6A

Tags: Comics | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on John Higgins— Comic-Con special guest John Higgins was part of the team that brought the revolutionary comics series and graphic novel Watchmen to the comics world. Higgins added vibrant, story-enhancing color to Dave Gibbons’s wonderful art. Beyond his role as a colorist, Higgins has worked as an artist and writer on characters as diverse as Batman, Judge Dredd, and Jonah Hex. He’ll talk about his career in comics and beyond and what’s up next. Room 4

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Maggie Thompson— Maggie Thompson (Comics Buyer’s Guide senior editor) and Valerie Thompson (The Ruder Finn Group) open a window to the past. Comic-Con, after all, provides an annual opportunity to revel in the wisdom of the elderly. While a few con diehards might take a peek at the occasional film premiere or TV-star meet-and-greet, most are here to throng breathlessly around oldsters’ withered husks to hear endless stories about what comics fandom was like in the good old days. With the aid of medications and the unrelenting patience of her daughter, Maggie will provide insights from her half-century of comics fandom. (When Maggie started out in this business, you could buy a comic book, a box of Jujubes, and a matinee ticket for less than 50 cents.) Room 8

Tags: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

1:30-2:30 AICN Comics: Horror on the Paneled Page— Mark L. Miller (Ain’t It Cool News) hosts a panel focusing on horror with some of comic books’ darkest writers and artists. The discussion will breach such topics as how to create successful horror comics, what causes chills, and what doesn’t. Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Joshua Hale Fialkov (DC’s upcoming I, Vampire), David Quinn (Faust), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Brandon Seifert (Witch Doctor), Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller), Brea and Zane Grant (We Will Bury You), and a few surprise guests will show you what makes them the best of the best in comic book horror. Room 24ABC

Tags: Comics | Horror and Suspense | Writers & Writing

1:45-2:45 Ringer— Sarah Michelle Gellar makes her highly anticipated television return in the gripping new thriller Ringer, as a woman who, after witnessing a murder, goes on the run, hiding out by assuming the life of her wealthy identical twin — only to learn that her sister’s seemingly idyllic life is just as complicated and dangerous as the one she’s trying to leave behind. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek at the new series about family secrets and stolen identities, followed by a panel discussion with series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four), Nestor Carbonell (Lost, The Dark Knight), Kristoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected), executive producer Pam Veasey (CSI:NY), and co-executive producers Nicole Snyder (Supernatural) and Eric Charmelo (Supernatural). Ballroom 20

Tags: Horror and Suspense | Television

2:00-3:00 The Pitching Hour— Jermaine Turner (director, Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group), Zach Schiff-Abrams (executive producer, Fourth Wall Studios), Valerie Alexander (screenwriter), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Carina Schulze (Chatrone), Matthew Cohen (video game developer), Lindsay Rostal (producer, The Odd Gentlemen), and moderator Dan Evans III (freelance development executive, Robot & Monster) take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adapt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand is Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood. Room 5AB

Tags: Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 DC Comics: The New 52— The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number-one issues, and one panel is not enough to cover it, With a “DC Comics: The New 52′” panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Bob Harras, DC’s editor-in-chief, and DCU executive editor Eddie Berganza present an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever relaunches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting edge! Room 6DE

Tags: Comics | Superheroes

2:00-3:00 Napoleon Dynamite— Original cast members from the hit indie film including Jon Heder, Tina Majorino, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, Sandy Martin, Diedrich Bader and executive producer Mike Scully (The Simpsons) present a new series following your favorite awkward teenager like you’ve never seen him before — animated! Join us for a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage of the newest member of FOX’s Animation Domination lineup and a “sweet” Q&A session. Room 7AB

Tags: Animation | Movies

2:00-3:00 Love and Rockets— Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario Hernandez converse with Gary Groth about 30 years of creating their landmark comic book series, Love & Rockets. Since 1982, Love & Rockets has virtually defined alternative comics and culture, launching from the punk rock scene in Los Angeles and growing into one of the most mature bodies of work ever produced in the medium. Room 9

Tags: Anniversaries | Comics

2:00-3:00 ComicBase User Group Meeting— Peter Bickford and other key folks from the ComicBase team showcase the latest features and additions to ComicBase, the world’s premiere software for comic book collectors. The panelists will have lots of time for you to ask questions about the program and its sister site, Atomic Avenue, and best of all, lots of giveaways in return to answers on comic book trivia questions! Room 23ABC

Tags: Action Figures – Toys – Collectibles | Comics

2:00-3:00 Bill Plympton: Independently Animated— Two-time Oscar nominee Bill Plympton (Mutant Aliens, I Married a Strange Person) celebrates the release of the new Rizzoli Press book Independently Animated: Bill Plympton, about the life and art of the King of Indie Animation. Also, Bill will discuss the recent release of his animated feature Idiots and Angels on DVD, screen some of his recent short films, and present a sneak peek at what he’s working on next, including The Flying House, a remastering of a classic Winsor McCay film. Everyone who attends will receive a free Bill Plympton autographed drawing! Room 25ABC

2:00-3:00 Foot in the Door— A continuation of the “I Can’t Write, I Can’t Draw, But I Love Comics!” panel series focusing on jobs in the comics, animation, and gaming industries requiring skills other than storytelling and illustration. This year, comics, animation, and gaming panelists Scott Agostoni (independent manager of comic creators and comics expert), Derron Ross (Blur Studio), and a gaming executive from Trion Worlds talk about how they got their first jobs, what they do now, and how to break into their industries in today’s market. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company). Room 32AB

2:00-3:00 FilmDistrict Studio Panel— FilmDistrict, the new studio that brought you Insidious, celebrates two upcoming features: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, a Guillermo Del Toro production starring Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce, and Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Ron Perlman, and Christina Hendricks. Exclusive footage will be presented and a Q&A will be held for both films. Hall H

Tags: Horror and Suspense | Movies

2:00-3:00 Warner Premiere: H+ and Mortal Kombat: Legacy— From producer Bryan Singer (X-Men, X2, X-Men: First Class, Superman Returns) comes a Comic-Con exclusive first look at H+, the forthcoming Warner Premiere/Dolphin Entertainment web series directed by Stewart Hendler (Sorority Row) and written and created by John Cabrera and Cosimo De Tommaso. H+ takes place in a near-future world where a tiny and stunning new piece of technology lies at the center of a dark and epic mystery. Then, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, a hit web series with over 35 million views, takes the stage for a panel discussion with director Kevin Tancharoen (Mortal Kombat: Rebirth), Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager), Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight), Darren Shahlavi (Sanctuary), Peter Shinkoda (Falling Skies), and Matt Mullins (Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight). Fans will see — for the first time — the long-awaited final Mortal Kombat: Legacy episode! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Tags: Action/Adventure | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:15-3:15 Street Fighter X Tekken— Legendary Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono provides the latest update on the highly anticipated fighting game Street Fighter X Tekken. Learn just what’s in store for your favorite Street Fighter and Tekken characters in this explosive genre-defining game. Street Fighter fans are encouraged to come in costume as Capcom deems Thursday to be “Street Fighter Day.” Katsuhiro Harada of Tekken will also appear to face Ono-san and continue their fierce rivalry over which fighting game franchise is the best. Followed by a Q&A session plus some special surprises! Room 6BCF

Tags: Costuming | Games

2:30-3:30 Joyce Farmer: Special Exits, A Memoir— Can graphic work become serious literature through excellent artwork, writing ,and subject matter? Where does graphic work belong in bookstores and libraries? This Q&A with Comic-Con special guest Joyce Farmer examines her Eisner Award–nominated book Special Exits, A Memoir (Fantagraphics) in this spotlight panel. Room 4

2:30-3:30 The Character of Music with BMI and White Bear PR— Composer and executive producer teams discuss the dynamics of music in film and television. Dan Licht and Sara Colleton (Dexter), Jeremy Zuckerman, Benjamin Wynn, and Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino (Avatar the Last Airbender), and Noah Sorota and Mark Verheiden (Falling Skies) discuss their working relationship, how music plays a character in their stories, and the intense process of scoring their projects. Moderated by BMI’s director of film & TV Relations Anne Cecere. Attendees will get a sneak peek into their work and receive fun giveaways. Room 6A

Tags: Movies | Television

2:30-3:30 Sergio and Mark Show— It’s that time again: The Eisner Award–winning folks who bring you Groo the Wanderer and other silly comics tell you what they’re working on and why it isn’t out yet. Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier, along with Stan Sakai and Tom Luth, answer your questions, tell strange stories, and reveal the dread secret of Sergio’s mustache. Room 8

2:30-3:30 Hasbro Transformers Panel— Would you like to see what’s new with Transformers? The marketing and design teams responsible for the current Transformers: Dark of the Moon line present all the latest toys at this panel. Also, see a sneak peek into the 2012 line. Includes Q&A time. Room 24ABC

Tags: Action Figures – Toys – Collectibles | Kids | Movies

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Inventing Iron Man— Author E. Paul Zehr (University of Victoria) discusses his book Inventing Iron Man, physically deconstructing Iron Man to find out how we could use modern-day technology to create a suit of armor similar to Tony Stark’s. Examining contemporary brain-machine interfaces and the meeting of neurology and neural plasticity, Zehr finds that science is nearing the point where such a suit is possible but observes that “superherodom is not just about technology.” He also considers our own physical limitations to ask whether a living human could truly become Iron Man. Room 26AB

2:30-5:00 Comic-Con How-To: Live Painting Demonstration with Lucio Parrillo— Award-winning Italian painter Lucio Parrillo is known for painting interior art and character designs for video games and role-playing games (Forgotten Realms, Eberron, Magic, Hecatomb, and others). Over the last 10 years he has illustrated trading cards for Magic the Gathering and World of Warcraft and done interior illustrations for Dungeons & Dragons books. His comic book work includes Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Death’s Head, Siege, Thor, and What if? for Marvel, as well as many covers for Red Sonja, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, The Expendables, and Project Superpowers for Dynamite and the graphic novels L’Empire Eternel, One Shot, and SKP. Room 28DE

Tags: Art and Illustration | Comics | Games | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 State of the Geek Report: From Avatar to Zardoz— The world’s foremost geeksperts once again converge at Comic-Con to discuss the state of contemporary sci-fi, fantasy, and horror cinema and television, ranging from the superhero smackdown of the summer of 2011 to the future of 3D films to why we’ll never have a summer as good as 1982 again. Screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writer Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, DOA: Dead Or Alive), and Bill Hunt (The Digital Bits), along with guests, discuss the past, present, and future state of the genre, brought to you by the new Geek Monthly. Room 5AB

3:00-4:00 WTF, Dude? Spotlight on Charlie Huston— Comic-Con special guest Charlie Huston (Wolverine The Best There Is) has written comics, crime, horror, and SF novels and pilots for HBO and FOX. Now he brutally interrogates himself to answer the question “WFT, Dude?” Included in your admission: Ask Charlie a stoopid question! Trivia and prizes! A one-man interpretation of A. R. Gurney’s Love Letters! Surprise guests! And more! Room 7AB

3:00-4:00 IDW Publishing Presents: The Greatest Panel of All Time— New creator-owned books? Ever-larger licensed titles? All-new creators, and even some major crossover events? How about prizes just for attending? Yep, you’ll find all that and more, in The Greatest Panel of All Time. CCO Chris Ryall, editor Scott Dunbier, and creators Chris Roberson, Eric Powell, and Steve Niles, along with MC Dirk Wood, present a gamelike atmosphere as they spin the wheel on projects coming in 2011 and 2012. Come on down! Room 9

Tags: Comics

3:00-4:00 Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A session— Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO’s Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode debut season on June 19. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power in a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime. Some of the cast featured in the first season and appearing on this panel are (in alphabetical order) Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ser Jaime Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, and Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo. Moderated by George R. R. Martin, who also serves as a co-executive producer and writer on the series. Ballroom 20

Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 FUNimation Industry Panel— FUNimation Entertainment’s marketing manager Adam Sheehan and social media manager Justin Rojas talk about all the newest info and updates out of North America’s leader in anime, as well as answer questions from the audience. Room 23ABC

Tags: Animation | Anime & Manga

3:00-4:00 Magic & Monsters— Adult and young adult science fiction and fantasy authors discuss the costs and consequences of “magic” in their novels and the scary, hairy, and dangerous creatures that lurk in the worlds they have created. Visit the worlds of Kim Harrison (The Hollows series), Andrea Cremer (The Nightshade series), Anton Strout (The Simon Canderous series), Lev Grossman (The Magicians), Ben Loory (Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day), J. F. Lewis (The Void City novels), and Diana Rowland (The White Trash Zombie series), guided by moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC

3:00-4:00 Comics: Comic Color 101— Every month your favorite comic books must be colored before going to press, but just how are they colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi’s Brian Miller (Legion of Super-Heroes) and Kristy Miller (Birds of Prey) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. Q&A session. Room 30CDE

3:00-4:00 Effin with Tonight— Be a part of the world premiere of former Tonight Show writer Jim Shaughnessy’s reinvention of late night, Effin with Tonight starring Patrick Warburton (The Venture Brothers, The Tick ) in the first all-original animated late night talk show. Panelists include Patrick Warburton, writer/creator Jim Shaughnessy, co-writer/EP Jerrod Cardwell (Arsenio Hall, George Lopez), and the voice cast of Rachel Butera (The Howard Stern Show), Jay Lamont (Comedy Central standup, Def Comedy Jam), and Joe Cipriano (the voice of FOX television, CBS TV, the Emmy Awards and the Grammy Awards). Effin with Tonight is comedically uncompromising. No hypocrisy is ever ignored, no jokes are off limits, and celebrity phoniness is always exposed. Exclusive preview clips will be shown followed by a Q&A. Effin with Tonight is a Sony Crackle web series debuting in September. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Tags: Animation | Humor & Satire

3:15-4:15 DC: Batman— Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman, and the rest of Gotham City’s greatest crimefighters take things to the next level in September with new battles and new titles. Get to know the writers and artists behind these exciting new comics, including Batman group editor Mike Marts, Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Scott Snyder (Detective Comics), Peter Tomasi (Batman & Robin), Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Judd Winick (Batwing, Catwoman), and others answer your questions at this exclusive Bat-panel. Moderated by John Cunningham. Room 6DE

3:15-4:30 20th Century Fox— At past Comic-Cons, 20th Century Fox has previewed Independence Day, X2, Avatar, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. You won’t want to miss the excitement this year, as Fox presents first-looks at some of its most-anticipated pictures of 2011 and 2012. Hall H

Tags: Movies

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Frank Stack— Comic-Con special guest Frank Stack, pioneer of underground comix in the 1960s with such titles as New Adventures of Jesus, Feelgood Funnies, Amazons, and Dorman’s Doggie, remains active as a fine artist and cartoonist. His Jesus stories were recently reprinted as The Second Coming by Fantagraphics. Frank will present a visual presentation and Q&A. Room 4

3:30-4:30 Star Wars: The Old Republic : Join Us, It Is Your Destiny— BioWare and LucasArts are creating the most immersive MMO experience you’ve ever played with Star Wars: The Old Republic. Hear from BioWare developers as they discuss development of a story-driven MMO, debut new gameplay footage, and perhaps spring a few surprises along the way. Exclusive reveals, giveaways, guests, and Q&A! Room 6BCF

Tags: Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Roy Thomas— Legendary comics writer/editor — and Comic-Con special guest — Roy Thomas sits down with interviewer Mark Evanier to talk about Thomas’s life in comics, from the early days of comics fandom and Alter Ego to his memorable run of comics at Marvel and DC, and now at Dark Horse and beyond. Room 8

3:30-4:30 The Making of Transformers Prime— Join the Emmy Award-winning Hasbro Studios creative team as they walk audience members through the challenges they faced in developing and producing this awe-inspiring show that has helped redefine Transformers for a whole new generation of fans. The team will discuss all aspects of the show, including character and set development and design, the writing of this epic series, and the musical elements that have made this show a success. Key guests include Mike Vogel, Brian Lenard, Jeff Kline, Duane Capizzi, and Jose Lopez. Room 24ABC

3:45-4:45 Awake— Exclusive screening of Awake, the new NBC sci-fi drama about the power of the mind, to be introduced by star Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter) and executive producers Howard Gordon (24) and Kyle Killen (The Beaver). The screening will be followed by a brief Q&A session. Room 6A

Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

4:00-5:00 Masters of the Web— Some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Panelists include Peter Sciretta (Slashfilm.com), Anne Thompson (Thompson on Hollywood), Jen Yamato (Movieline.Com), Scott Beggs (FilmSchoolRejects.Com), Sasha Perl-Raver (Movieweb.com), Vic Holtreman (Screenrant.Com), Jenna Busch (Moviefone), and Mike Sampson (JoBlo.Com), hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). Room 5AB

Tags: Fandom | Movies | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Avatar Press: Special News and Q&A— Here’s your chance to meet the creative minds behind Avatar Press, the industry’s most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher! Hosted by editor-in-chief William Christensen, this panel includes Jacen Burrows, whose atmospheric artwork terrified readers of Garth Ennis’s Crossed and Alan Moore’s Neonomicon, and Brian Pulido, whose cult favorite Lady Death series provides the backbone to the sexy and action-packed Boundless Comics line. Find out what new terrors this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered. Room 7AB

4:00-5:00 Breaking and Staying In— It’s well known that breaking into comics as a creator — be it writer or artist or colorist — is not easy. Learn how it’s done from Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Five Days to Die, Comics Experience founder), who’s broken in as an editor, a writer, and a teacher. Not enough? He’s also going to talk about how to stay in comics once you catch that first break — and you’ll hear from writer Mike Costa (G.I. Joe: Cobra) and artist Zander Cannon (Top 10) for their tips too! Room 30CDE

4:00-5:00 BOOM! Irredeemable/Incorruptible Panel— Mark Waid’s bestselling, multiple sell-out Irredeemable has taken comic fans by storm, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics of the last several years. Mark Waid discusses Irredeemable’s beginnings, the future of the series, and its sister series, Incorruptible. Big announcements will be made at this not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! Room 32AB

4:30-5:30 Marvel: Next Big Thing— The Marvel Universe is where the biggest comic stories happen — so wouldn’t you like to be the first to know what Marvel has planned? Get the latest news on Marvel’s plans for their biggest heroes and villains, with some surprises along the way. Panelists Greg Pak (Incredible Hulks), Jonathan Hickman (FF), Jim McCann (Marvel Zombies Christmas Carol), Nick Spencer (Ultimate X), editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others answer all your burning questions while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel. Room 6DE

4:30-5:30 City of Heroes: The Future of Super-Powered MMOs— Be the first to find out about the top-secret release coming later this year to City of Heroes, the world’s most popular super-powered MMO. Paragon Studios team members Melissa “War Witch” Bianco (lead game designer), Matt “Positron” Miller (lead systems designer), David “Noble Savage” Nakayama (art lead), Nate “Second Measure” Birkholz (development producer), and Andy “Zwillinger” Belford (community manager) share exclusive revelations about the City of Heroes game update that will redefine the online gaming industry. Room 24ABC

4:45-5:45 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season Four Preview— The epic conflict of Star Wars: The Clone Wars intensifies in the upcoming season, as new battle lines are drawn, new threats arise, and old enemies resurface. Take an unparalleled first look into this fall’s action, drama, and adventure as the creators of hit series from Lucasfilm preview some of what will astound Star Wars fans in Season Four. Featuring supervising director Dave Filoni, CG lighting/FX supervisor Joel Aron, and other talents from behind the scenes at Lucasfilm Animation. Hosted by Pablo Hidalgo. Room 6BCF

Tags: Animation | Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

4:45-5:45 Robert Rodriguez’s Quick Draw Productions— Be the first to get a sneak peek at Robert Rodriguez’s upcoming films. Robert presents Quick Draw’s new slate featuring special guest collaborators. He will also show exclusive material from his latest top-secret project. Hall H

Tags: Movies

5:00-6:00 2011-2012: The Golden Age of Blu-ray?— With such titles as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Ben-Hur, Jurassic Park, Jaws, Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, Titanic, and Raiders of the Lost Ark on the way, could this be Blu-ray’s Golden Age? Panelists Bill Hunt, Adam Jahnke, and Todd Doogan of The Digital Bits.com, along with BD producers Charles de Lauzirika (Transformers: Dark of the Moon, The Amazing Spider-Man, Prometheus, Crave) and Cliff Stephenson (Rambo, The Expendables, Crank 2, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), Warner Home Video’s George Feltenstein (senior vice president, theatrical catalog marketing) and othere discuss the subject, hold Q&A, and offer giveaways. Room 5AB

Tags: Action Figures – Toys – Collectibles | Fandom | Movies

5:00-6:00 Beavis & Butthead— In 1993, Mike Judge (creator of Beavis and Butthead) and MTV knocked their heads together and launched a cartoon series starring a couple of lunkheads and unwittingly started an animated pop culture revolution. Now, Beavis and Butthead are coming back to MTV in 2011 to unleash on music videos, Jersey Shore, viral videos, and more. See the first footage from the new episodes, and join Mike as he discusses the duo’s return to MTV! Room 6A

Tags: Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

5:00-6:00 Resistance 3: Exploring a 1950s Altered America: The Continuing Creation of the Resistance Universe— Critically acclaimed developer Insomniac Games presents a journey through the evolution of the universe surrounding PlayStation 3’s bestselling Resistance franchise. Discover the secrets behind Insomniac’s vision of a postapocalyptic ’50s-era America, ravaged by the merciless Chimera, and explore the human experience of struggling to survive an alien invasion when nearly all hope is lost. Learn how the team is continuing to build the Resistance canon through books and social media integration. Attendees will be treated to an first look at new game content and other surprises, with special guest appearances by members of the Insomniac team, including Marcus Smith (creative director), Kevin Grow (animation director), and Grant Hollis (art director), as well as actors from the Resistance 3 cast, including Robin Atkin Downes (Joseph Capelli) and Crispin Freeman (Charlie Tent). A Q&A with the team will follow the presentation. Room 7AB

Tags: Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:00-6:00 Epic Literary Adventures— Jeff Smith (RASL, Bone), Anders Nilsen (Big Questions), Brian Ralph (Daybreak & SCAD professor), and moderator Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) discuss the overlap between literary and fantasy, the science and art of creating an imaginary world, building a story that is serialized over several years, and carving a unique fantastical niche in an industry mostly known for either autobio or superhero. Room 9

5:00-6:00 First Comics: The First of the Great Independents Is Back with a Fury!— Legendary ’80s independent publishing powerhouse First Comics is returning when the world needs it most, not unlike the promised return of King Arthur. And the assembled Round Table of extraordinary comics creators are here to tell you how they will once again be rocking your world with comics entertainment from the cutting edge. Panelists include Ken F. Levin (Wanted, The Boys, First Comics co-founder and director), Joe Staton and Nick Cuti (E-Man), Bill Willingham (Fables), Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition), Brian Mullens (founder of DaQRi; QR director), Alex Wald (art director then and again), Susannah Carson (A Truth Universally Acknowledged; First Comics YA editor), and Daniel Merlin Goodbrey (The Tarquin Engine, The Last Sane Cowboy). Moderated by Larry Young (The Black Diamond; First Comics director of production). Room 23ABC

Tags: Comics

5:00-6:00 Harry Potter Fandom Panel— The final Harry Potter film is in theaters now — how many times have you seen it? How many times have you read the books, written or read fanfic, checked out fanart, macros, fanfilms, musicals, and vids, listened to Wrock, played Quidditch or watched a game, or participated in the terrific projects organized by the HP Alliance? Have you visited Pottermore, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or the traveling Harry Potter Exhibition? Where has the Harry Potter fandom been, and where are they flying to next? Melissa Anelli (The Leaky-Cauldron.org, Harry – A History), Kathryn Mudgway (International Quidditch Association), Joey Richter (“Ron” in A Very Potter Musical/Sequel), Andrew Sims (Mugglenet, Hypable.com), Andrew Slack (TheHPAlliance.org, Imagine Better), and moderator Heidi Tandy (FictionAlley, Ascendio2012/HPEF) discuss all this and more. Room 25ABC

Tags: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Figure Drawing for Popular Media— Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (Draw the Line, Figure It Out, John Buscema: A Life in Sketches), along with Alex Niño (Mulan, Marvel, DC) and Stephen Silver (Kim Possible, Clerks), presents a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design and a demonstration on figure drawing. There will be some cool giveaways and a chance to draw as well. Come ready to take notes and to draw. Room 30CDE

5:00-6:00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer and LGBT Comics Fandom— LGBT fans hailed the revelation in the long-running television hit that one of its main characters, Willow, had fallen in love with another female character, Tara. This groundbreaking depiction of queer love in the TV show has been built upon in the Buffy comic books published by Dark Horse Comics, and Buffy remains one of the most queer-friendly properties in pop culture. Moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen (Prism Comics president) discusses the special relationship between the Buffyverse and LGBT comic book fans with Buffy creators and actors, including Scott Allie, Andrew Chambliss, Jane Espenson, Drew Greenberg, Tom Lenk, and a special guest! Room 32AB

Tags: Action/Adventure | Comics | Fandom | Television

5:00-6:00 Batman: Arkham City— Get the inside scoop on Batman: Arkham City, the highly anticipated follow-up to Batman: Arkham Asylum, one of the top-selling games of 2009 and the Guinness World Record holder for the Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever. Be among the first to see and hear new details about the next chapter in Batman’s gritty, immersive world — including some surprise game and character reveals—from panelists Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series), DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee, writer Paul Dini (Lost, Tower Prep), and game director Sefton Hill (Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Paul Levitz— Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans, Superman) and Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics) interview fellow comics fan, writer, and editor — and Comic-Con special guest — Paul Levitz about his life, from The Comic Reader to DC Comics president & publisher, and now beyond as he returns to writing Legion of Super-Heroes and makes his debut as a historian with the Eisner-nominated 75 Years Of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Myth-Making. Room 8

5:30-7:30 Showtime : Tired of Ordinary Television?— This year at Comic-Con, Showtime saves! The casts and creative forces behind Dexter and Shameless give sneak peeks into the new seasons. And be the first to see an exclusive look at the new Showtime original series Homeland.

Dexter — See the exclusive world premiere of the new season’s trailer, then moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ entertainment reporter) will preside over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers, including Michael C. Hall (star/executive producer), C. S. Lee (Masuka), David Zayas (Batista) , guest star Colin Hanks (Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Roswell), and more. Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto.

Shameless — Come party with the cast and creative team behind the hottest new Showtime original series, Shameless. If you thought your family was dysfunctional, wait ’til you meet the Gallaghers. Get the inside scoop on what’s in store for the new season as Mike Schneider (TV Guide Los Angeles bureau chief) leads an interview and Q&A with stars William H. Macy (Fargo, Jurassic Park III) and Emmy Rossum (Day After Tomorrow, Dragon Ball: Evolution ), plus more, along with executive producer John Wells (West Wing, ER, Southland).

Homeland — This fall, the war on terror comes home in the new Showtime original series Homeland from executive producers/writers Howard Gordon (24, The X-Files) and Alex Gansa (24, The X-Files, Numb3rs), starring Claire Danes (Terminator 3), Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Life), Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride, Criminal Minds), and Morena Baccarin (V, Firefly). Comic-Con favorite Morena Baccarin will make a special appearance to introduce exclusive footage from Homeland.

5:30-6:30 Creepy and Eerie: Comics That Can Still Scare You!— Discuss the new Dark Horse Creepy series, the classic age of the Warren Creepy and Eerie magazines, and all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe with a bone-chilling panel including Jason Shawn Alexander (Abe Sapien), Overstreet’s J. C. Vaughn (Doctor Solar), artist Nathan Fox (Haunt), and classic Creepy and Eerie cover artist Ken Kelly and writer Bruce Jones (Checkmate). Moderated by New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (A History of Violence). Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with extraordinary swag and prizes! Room 24ABC

Tags: Comics | Horror and Suspense

5:30-6:30 Comics Mobile— Comics Academy exists to foster an appreciation of comic books and graphic novels in academia, promote the use of comic books to spark investigation into academic subject areas and teach abstract concepts in K-12 education, and nurture the path to literacy through the study and production of comic books and graphic novels. David Rojas (founder of Comics Academy) and guest Nancy Silberkleit (co-CEO of Archie Comics) will discuss how to investigate the merits of comic books in academia. Room 26AB

6:00-7:00 Gears of War 3— Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and special guest contributors to the Gears universe offer a look ahead at the most-anticipated game of 2011. Includes a live game demo and key announcements. Moderated by X-Play (G4) co-host Adam Sessler. Room 6BCF

6:00-7:00 Comics for Social Justice: The Making of Oil and Water— Oil and Water is a book-length comic (Fantagraphics, Summer 2011) that is a partly fictionalized account of a 10-day trip that 22 Oregonians (activists, teachers, business owners, scientists, and artists) took last summer to “bear witness” to the BP oil spill on the Gulf Coast. Shannon Wheeler will briefly present the historic impact of comics on issues of contemporary social relevance and give a quick overview of why this project was conceived and what it hopes to accomplish. He’ll then present his sketches from the Gulf Coast and show how he and collaborator Steve Duin transformed them into a compelling portrait of what hope and challenges remain along a ravaged coastline, one awash in both seafood and oil, that will be changed as irrevocably as those Oregonians that chose to bear witness to the tragedy. Q&A session to follow. Room 9

Tags: Comics

6:00-7:00 Arcana Comics: A Look at One of the World’s Largest Graphic Novel Publishers— Sean Patrick O’Reilly (Clockwork Girl), Josh Blaylock (Devil’s Due), Erik Hendrix (SideShows), Mike Kalvoda (Banshee), Brooke Burgess (Becoming), Matt Wilson (Scrooge & Santa), and Ryan Colucci (Harbor Moon) take you through some of the amazing talent coming out of one of the world’s largest graphic novel producers. With over 150 graphic novels released, find out what the publisher currently has coming in the near future and get a sneak peak at the 3D animated feature film Clockwork Girl, Arcana’s slate of interactive apps, and more. See how independent publishers make their mark in the comic book industry and blur the lines between mediums, Arcana style. Attendees will get free comics and the first in a series of Arcana Universe posters. Room 23ABC

Tags: Comics | Movies

6:00-7:00 Her Universe: What Women Want in Their Female Sci-Fi Heroes— In the early days of sci-fi, female characters were the designated damsels in distress. Thankfully, today a new generation of creative minds are molding the strong, intelligent, and powerful female roles we see in some sci-fi films, TV shows, comics and other media. What are the differences between past sci-fi adventures with female characters and today’s feminine heroes that women can really connect with? How do you create truly interesting and unique female characters in the sci-fi universe? How are they different from their male counterparts? As the voice of a strong female role model, host Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) wants to bring this conversation to the forefront. Join Ashley for a dynamic panel of creative minds from television, film, and comics to explore this timely topic, featuring Dave Filoni (supervising director, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Chris Sanagustin (SVP development and current programming for Universal Cable Productions), Bryan Q. Miller (executive story editor, Smallville; writer, DC’s Batgirl), Betsy Mitchell (editor-in-chief, Del Rey Books), Melinda Hsu Taylor (writer/producer, Lost, Medium; supervising producer, Touch), and Gail Simone (writer, DC’s Birds of Prey, Secret Six, Wonder Woman, and the new Batgirl comic). Room 25ABC

6:00-7:00 Inside the Voice Actors Studio— An annual Comic-Con favorite, Bang Zoom! Entertainment is proud to bring you this one-hour panel/workshop about voice acting that covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. Here’s an opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic and exciting setting. You’ll also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans and aspiring voice actors to interact with some of the most accomplished members of the industry. Celebrity panelists include renowned video game VO director Chris Borders (Gears of War), and actress Dee Bradley Baker (Phineas and Ferb, SpongeBob Squarepants), and moderator Tony Oliver (Robotech). Room 30CDE

Tags: Animation | Games

6:00-7:00 LGBTX: The X-Men’s Queer Characters, Themes, and Fans— The X-Men and their universe have always been popular with LGBT comics fans. The idea of mutants is seen as an allegory for the reality of difference and persecution, as well as community and power, experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The X-Men have also included compelling queer characters in their roster, including the first gay superhero, Northstar. How have these themes and characters been handled? What are the plans for the future? Moderator Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) tries to make sense of it all with panelists Peter David (X-Factor), Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men), Chuck Kim (Age of X), Marjorie Liu (Daken: Dark Wolverine), Scott Lobdell (Uncanny X-Men), and Zack Stentz (X-Men First Class). Room 32AB

Tags: Comics | Fandom | Superheroes

6:00-7:00 Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries: A discussion with Jon Favreau and Guillermo del Toro on the Future of Pop Culture— EW moderates an in-depth conversation with Jon Favreau (Cowboys & Aliens) and Guillermo del Toro (Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark), two filmmakers at the forefront of bringing geek culture to the masses and making blockbuster art out of pulp fiction. They will discuss their inspirations, their current work, and how they strive to put a personal stamp on blockbuster entertainment. Plus: How is new technology changing the way stories are produced and viewed? And what do they think the pop culture universe will look like a decade from now? Moderated by Jeff “Doc” Jensen. Hall H

Tags: Fandom | Movies

6:00-7:00 Voltron Resurgent— The quintessential 1980s super robot anime series is taking the universe by cosmic storm in 2011, offering entertainment and collectibles to thrill original fans and inspire a new legion of Voltron followers. Comic-Con attendees will be the first to witness the full scope of Voltron’s global franchise resurgence in the form of the new Nicktoons animated series Voltron Force, THQ’s upcoming videogame, a cool Mattel line of toys, innovative comic books from VIZ Media and Dynamite Entertainment, and some blockbuster news of special Voltron events in the not-too-distant future. VH1 Big Morning Buzz Live / NGTV/ G4/ host Carrie Keegan moderates a diverse panel featuring World Event Productions’ supervising producer Jeremy Corray, Voltron Force story editor Todd Garfield and creative director Bob Koplar, THQ executive producer Peter Armstrong, Nicktoons general manager Keith Dawkins, Mattel design manager Michael Montalvo, design director Steed Sun, and artist/designer Brandon Sopinsky, VIZ Media editor Traci Todd, and artist Jacob Chabot . Pay homage to Voltron’s beloved origins, and get a glimpse of the franchise’s future. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

6:15-7:30 Wilfred Screening and Q &A— Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings, Happy Feet) stars as Ryan, a young man struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with Wilfred, his neighbor’s canine pet, played by Jason Gann (The Wedge, Mark Loves Sharon), who co-created and starred in the Australian version of Wilfred in 2007. While everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, Ryan sees a crude and surly man in a cheap dog suit. Elijah and Jason, along with Wilfred co-stars Fiona Gubelmann (Californication, Cold Case) and Dorian Brown (Roommates, Psych), executive producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy, American Dad, King of the Hill), and co-executive producer/director Randall Einhorn (The Office, Modern Family) discuss bringing this unique, live-action comedy to life. Room 6A

Tags: Comics | Humor & Satire | Television

6:30-7:30 So, You Want to be a Sci-Fi Journalist?— For many it would be a dream job. Editors and columnists from leading genre magazine SFX reveal their tricks of the trade, from reviewing movies to getting the best interviews. Dave Bradley (SFX editor-in-chief), Richard Edwards (SFX deputy editor), Tara Bennett (author and SFX’s East Coast editor), Joseph McCabe (associate editor of FEARnet.com and SFX’s West Coast editor) and Bonnie Burton (author, SFX columnist and senior editor for Starwars.com) take questions and discuss their experiences in writing about sci-fi for a living. Room 4

6:30-7:30 Shocker Toys: The Real Scoop— Geoff Beckett and crew discuss the past 10 years of accomplishments by Shocker Toys, going from a small block figure sold at local shows in New Jersey to five toylines and a worldwide fanbase with retail chain store support. They’ll talk of some of the pitfalls, bumps in the road, and challenges as well. They’ll announce new series and licenses and future toylines, engage in a Q&A with fans, and offer toy and comic book giveaways. You can expect many great guests from the comics, toy, and entertainment industries, answering your questions and listening to your suggestions. Room 24ABC

Tags: Action Figures – Toys – Collectibles | Comics | Movies

6:30-7:30 Manga: Lost in Translation— After a slump during the great recession, the manga business seems to be coming back, with the older companies leaner and new companies focusing on both digital and print. But “leaner companies” is not usually good news for freelancers. Find out how the downturn has changed the industry from panelists William Flanagan (Kobato), Jonathan Tarbox (Fist of the Northstar), Mari Morimoto (Naruto), Stephen Paul (Yotsuba&!), and maybe some surprise guests. Room 26AB

Tags: Anime & Manga | Comics

7:00-8:00 Writing Movies for Fun and Profit— Meet Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, The State, I Love You, Man) and Robert Ben Garant ( Reno 911!, The State, Bob’s Burgers). Sure, you love their cult TV shows, but the movies they’ve written — Night at the Museum I & II, The Pacifier, etc — have made over a billion dollars at the box office. Their new book Writing Movies for Fun and Profit will teach YOU the secrets of the studio system and everything you need to know to break into the film biz and start earning piles of money by SELLING OUT. Join them for an informative and irreverent Q&A. Room 5AB

7:00-8:00 History of the Modern Zombie— Experts discuss the history and evolution of the modern zombie, from its first appearance in George Romero’s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead to the most recent work being done in zombie science, survival, and pop culture today. Panelists include Max Brooks, bestselling author of World War Z and Zombie Survival Guide; Matt Mogk, head of the Zombie Research Society and author of Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies; Steven Schlozman, M.D., Harvard Medical School psychiatrist and author of The Zombie Autopsies; Scott Kenemore, bestselling author of Zen of Zombie, Z.E.O., and Zombie, Ohio; and Bradley Voytek, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley neuroscientist and author of Scanning the Zombie Brain. Room 7AB

7:00-8:00 Penn & Teller Tell a Lie— They’ve been fooling people for years, and now they’re going to do it on the Discovery Channel. Penn Jillette and Teller talk about their 35+-year careers, answer audience questions, and introduce their new fall series, Penn & Teller Tell a Lie. In each episode, they’ll answer the big, urgent questions of the modern world such as: Can you make a welding torch out of bacon? Can you lift a 5,000-pound car with human hair? Can Teller survive a piranha attack? But there’s a twist — each episode presents several amazing stories, but one of them is an out-and-out lie. It’s up to you to figure it out! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Tags: Humor & Satire | Television

7:15-8:15 A New Generation of Spike & Mike Animation— Spike and Mike Animation present a completely different animation festival from Sick and Twisted: A New Generation of Spike & Mike Animation. This show is more sophisticated and artistic, but still very cool, insanely humorous, and accessible. Featured are 16 international award-winning animated shorts, including Oscar nominees and winners. The show includes Madagascar , The Lost Thing, Pixels, Teclopolis, The Saga of Biorn, and A Morning Stroll. Spike & Mike have now partnered with Mondo Media (creators of Happy Tree Friends) to create a new YouTube site full of the best animations the world has to offer. Room 6BCF

Tags: Animation | Web

7:30-8:30 Jeffrey Catherine Jones: The Documentary— Filmmaker Maria Cabardo is joined by artists Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin), Mark Bodé (Cobalt 60), Rick Berry (Sparrow #6, Double Memory), Robert Wiener (Donald M. Grant Publisher), George Pratt (Batman: Harvest Breed), and Louise Simonson (Superman, X-Factor) for a preview and discussion of her upcoming documentary feature Better Things: The Life and Choices of Jeffrey Catherine Jones. Using interviews with Jones and a wide range of family, friends, and colleagues, the film explores the late artist’s fascinating, challenging life and unique journey through the worlds of comics, illustration, and fine art. Moderated by John Butler. Room 4

7:30-9:00 Detecting Deviants in the Dark Night: Profiling Gotham City’s Serial Killers— From the dark corners of Crime Alley to the bleak cell blocks of Blackgate Penitentiary, Gotham City has been plagued by murderous villains who stalk the night. Mr. Zsasz, Abbattoir, and even Commissioner Gordon’s son, James Jr., have preyed on Gothamites for reasons that seemingly defy logic. Now the citizens of Gotham face a new threat: the Gotham Ripper. How should Batman, the world’s greatest detective, apprehend these and other notorious serial killers? The forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought — H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. — team up with Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., FBI retired supervisory special agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Killer Instinct), to explore the dark world of Gotham City’s serial killers. Are serial killers psychotic, psychopathic, or neither? Do Gotham City ‘s serial killers have real-world counterparts? Are common traits shared among serial killers, and can “profiling” lead to their successful apprehension? Learn how real FBI agents profile and arrest serial murderers. With that knowledge, don the Mantle of the Bat, profile the Dark Knight’s deadliest villains, and plan their capture. Bring your questions and your curiosity, and discover once again that real life is, in fact, stranger than fiction! Room 8

Tags: Comics | Fandom

7:30-9:30 Open Meeting of the Christian Comic Arts Society— Fans and creators alike are invited to an informal after-hours time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter prayer, and shop talk about the Christian comics movement. Special giveaways will be on hand for those in attendance. (Think of it as the fellowship hour after church…just with comic books instead of cookies and punch.) Hosted by CCAS members Kevin Yong (Ragged Capes) and Ralph Miley (New Visions Anthology) of NewCreationNow.com. Room 24ABC

Tags: Comics | Fandom

7:45-10:45 Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza— The 14th annual event is the best one ever! First there’s the World Premiere of Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie, plus exclusive trailers of 2012 releases. But that’s not all. “Martial Art Movie Master” Ric Meyers (Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book) will also have the coolest fight scenes from the best 2011 films, as well as his usual array of surprise guests and freebies. Bring your friends and significant others so they can find out why you love this genre so much! Room 6A

Tags: Action/Adventure | Fandom | Movies

8:00-9:30 Comics on Comics Live!— ComicsOnComics.com, the innovative web series that matches comedians against comic book creators in geek debates, returns to Comic-Con for its second year! Host Jonathan London (Greekscape.net) and comics journalist Rich Johnston (BleedingCool.com) engage the greatest comic minds and the greatest minds in comics! Room 5AB

Tags: Comics | Fandom | Humor & Satire | Web

8:00-9:00 H. P. Lovecraft in Comics and Film— “That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons, even death may die.” Famous words penned by H. P. Lovecraft, regarded by critics and fans alike as “Master of the Weird Tale.” A horror writer from the early days of pulp magazines, his work inspired thousands of writers, artists, musicians, game designers, and filmmakers. Explore a few of the works influenced by the Great Old Ones and get a sanity-smashing peek into the latest Lovecraftian comics and movies. With Adam Byrne (The Strange Adventures of H. P. Lovecraft), Andrew Leman (co-founder of the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society), Michael Alan Nelson (Fall of Cthulhu), and Frank H. Woodward (Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival). Room 9

8:00-11:00 Hall H and Ballroom 20 Thursday Panel Playback— Didn’t get into either Hall H or Ballroom 20 today? We feel your pain! In this three-hour block, Comic-Con rebroadcasts some of the day’s popular panels from those two giant rooms. Best of all, those in attendance will get to vote on what they want to see. It’s democracy at its finest and it’s a second chance to see these panels. (Please note: these playbacks will include only the panel discussions. None of the film clips or footage shown at the live events will be shown.) Room 25ABC

Tags: Movies | Television

8:15-9:15 Garth Ennis’s Stitched Movie World Premiere— Legendary comic book writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, Crossed) has written and directed his first-ever short film, Stitched, a visceral tale of terror. Meet the film’s cast, monsters, producers, and Mr. Ennis himself. Learn behind-the-scenes secrets during the Q&A. See a sneak peak at the Ennis-penned ongoing Stitched comic book series. And thrill to the horror of Stitched in its one-night only Comic-Con viewing! Room 6DE

8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog— Sing along with your fellow fans at this screening of the original three acts of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog hosted by the California Browncoats, complete with callbacks! Dr. Horrible stars Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly), and Felicia Day (The Guild) and was written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon (Dollhouse), Zack Whedon (Fringe), and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dollhouse). Room 6BCF

Tags: Comics | Fandom | Humor & Satire | Movies | Superheroes | Web

8:30-11:30 Star Wars Fan Movie Awards— Celebrating its tenth year, the Star Wars Fan Movie Awards are always entertaining, and often studded with surprises. Each year the top prize — the George Lucas Selects Award — is chosen by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas. Finalists wait with anticipation to learn who will win industry and audience recognition, as well as the coveted Star Wars-themed trophies. Hosted by David Collins, this promises to be a night of entertainment that fans won’t want to miss! Ballroom 20

Tags: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

9:30-10:30 Torchwood: Miracle Day Episode 103— Get a sneak peek at this week’s new episode, Dead of Night. Torchwood goes on the run and finds a new enemy, but as they launch a raid on PhiCorp headquarters, Jack (John Barrowman) must confront the mysterious Oswald Danes (Bill Pullman). Now airing Friday nights at 10:00 pm ET/PT on Starz. Room 6DE